AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Tube-o-phile Circle => Topic started by: flavo on 21 Jul 2019, 09:47 pm

Title: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 21 Jul 2019, 09:47 pm
I'm wanting to switch up my system. I've been buying and listening to tube stuff in my home that is generally getting good reviews in the sub $3k range. It seems that in most of the reviews I read about tube equipment, the gear is praised for sounding more like SS with a hint of tubes.
I think I would like to try something that had a little more of the liquidity and lushness to it. My plan is to get a nice SS power amp to replace my Rogue chronus magnum integrated and get a tube pre with a classic tube sound to try out.
I'm assuming in my naivete that I can't get just any well reviewed tube pre and change tubes to get what I think I want to hear?
I think where I will run into trouble is that I need a remote.
I guess in short. I'm not looking to squeeze the last little bit out of the recordings. Maybe some extra warmth and color would be nice?
Thoughts?
Who makes classic sounding tube pre-amps that I can get with a remote?

Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Tyson on 21 Jul 2019, 09:51 pm
Preamps that use octals (6SN7, 6SL7, etc) have a more classic tube sound than those that use nonals (12ax7, 6922, 12at7, etc).  Go for a pre using octals.  For new production I'd rec the Don Sachs preamp that's generated a fair bit of buzz here on AC.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 21 Jul 2019, 09:59 pm
I like 6SN7/6H8C sound, very linear.
There is a nice offer now in the Trading Circle, a Inspire power amp and a superb hand made preamp for $850:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=164592.0
The amp is here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=164593.0
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Tyson on 21 Jul 2019, 10:04 pm
Preamps that use octals (6SN7, 6SL7, etc) have a more classic tube sound than those that use nonals (12ax7, 6922, 12at7, etc).  Go for a pre using octals.  For new production I'd rec the Don Sachs preamp that's generated a fair bit of buzz here on AC.

I forgot to mention - the Don Sachs comes with a remote control option.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 21 Jul 2019, 10:24 pm
Excellent info! I didn't realize it would be that easy, haha.
And I didn't realize the DSachs pre that has been getting attn was offered with a remote. That is great news.

But in general. I just need to find "Preamps that use octals (6SN7, 6SL7, etc)"
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 21 Jul 2019, 10:26 pm
and octal is 8
nonal is 9?
I had to look that up ;-)
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 21 Jul 2019, 11:43 pm
Correct 6SN7 family have 8 pins and being a bigger tube than the 9 pins have more power.
12AX7 family have 9 pins.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: JakeJ on 22 Jul 2019, 02:17 am
One slight correction (I think) it's noval, not nonal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_socket (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_socket)
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: marvda1 on 22 Jul 2019, 02:42 am
www.dehavillandhifi.com/UV_REMOTE.htm
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: RPM123 on 22 Jul 2019, 03:08 pm
+1 on the dehavilland or this, if you can stretch your budget a bit.         

 https://www.aricaudio.com/products.php?product=SP6SN7LNE
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Elizabeth on 22 Jul 2019, 05:01 pm
If you absolutely must have a remote control (at least for volume) One solution is the daisy chain a classic tube preamp to your current preamp. I am nearly always using two preamps together. And even three. no problem.
I have four preamps in my system ... and three more laying around...

As for octal tube sets. I agree they do sound more tube like than nine pin. particularly any modern 9 pin preamps.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 22 Jul 2019, 05:25 pm
If you absolutely must have a remote control (at least for volume) One solution is the daisy chain a classic tube preamp to your current preamp. I am nearly always using two preamps together. And even three. no problem.
I have four preamps in my system ... and three more laying around...

As for octal tube sets. I agree they do sound more tube like than nine pin. particularly any modern 9 pin preamps.
I unknow you are so audiophile :thumb:
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: jmolsberg on 22 Jul 2019, 06:14 pm
I would buy a used linear tube audio mz3 - it's really fantastic!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: SteveFord on 23 Jul 2019, 12:10 am
I think the UltraVerve 3 will give you the sound you're looking for.
My only complaint is that it's not the last word in detail retrieval but it sure does sound good.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 23 Jul 2019, 12:24 am
Wonder if someone can share his sound impressions about the Inspire preamp linked above?
Thanks
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: bluemeanies on 23 Jul 2019, 12:49 am
I'm wanting to switch up my system. I've been buying and listening to tube stuff in my home that is generally getting good reviews in the sub $3k range. It seems that in most of the reviews I read about tube equipment, the gear is praised for sounding more like SS with a hint of tubes.
I think I would like to try something that had a little more of the liquidity and lushness to it. My plan is to get a nice SS power amp to replace my Rogue chronus magnum integrated and get a tube pre with a classic tube sound to try out.
I'm assuming in my naivete that I can't get just any well reviewed tube pre and change tubes to get what I think I want to hear?
I think where I will run into trouble is that I need a remote.
I guess in short. I'm not looking to squeeze the last little bit out of the recordings. Maybe some extra warmth and color would be nice?
Thoughts?
Who makes classic sounding tube pre-amps that I can get with a remote?


No remote but in the BEST catorgory Don Sachs SP14 right up there with the BIG NAMES costing $6000+ IMO
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Tyson on 23 Jul 2019, 03:30 am

No remote but in the BEST catorgory Don Sachs SP14 right up there with the BIG NAMES costing $6000+ IMO

Don Sachs has a Khozmo remote option.  Which is an excellent remote controls from a quality standpoint.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: mresseguie on 23 Jul 2019, 05:39 am
Hi, flavo.

If you were anywhere near to me, I'd happily drive over to your home with my D Sachs Model 2 preamp. It's not the latest version, but it does have Jupiter caps and remote. It's no slouch. Hell, it's fantastic! I've taken it to a couple audio get togethers in the States, to Captainhemo's home, and to a couple get togethers in Taiwan. [My wife is Taiwanese, and we often spend time in Taiwan.] Typical reactions/comments are "This is a $5k to $6k preamp." or "This is every bit as good as an Audio Research preamp."

This past winter I bought a Taiwanese made 6922 preamp for my system there that I had hoped would be as good as my Model 2. I got a really good deal on it. It's good, but it's simply not in the same class.

I'm very definitely a D Sachs fanboy, so keep that in mind.

Good luck with your search, and remember to have fun!

Michael

Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Charles Calkins on 23 Jul 2019, 03:38 pm
I'm wanting to switch up my system. I've been buying and listening to tube stuff in my home that is generally getting good reviews in the sub $3k range. It seems that in most of the reviews I read about tube equipment, the gear is praised for sounding more like SS with a hint of tubes.
I think I would like to try something that had a little more of the liquidity and lushness to it. My plan is to get a nice SS power amp to replace my Rogue chronus magnum integrated and get a tube pre with a classic tube sound to try out.
I'm assuming in my naivete that I can't get just any well reviewed tube pre and change tubes to get what I think I want to hear?
I think where I will run into trouble is that I need a remote.
I guess in short. I'm not looking to squeeze the last little bit out of the recordings. Maybe some extra warmth and color would be nice?
Thoughts?
Who makes classic sounding tube pre-amps that I can get with a remote?
         Do your self a big favor and check out the tube preamps that Frank van Alstine makes. And their price is right !!!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: mhconley on 23 Jul 2019, 05:05 pm
I love my YS-Audio Audio Experience Balanced A2 preamplifier. It matches very well with my class D monoblocks. Chui Yat Sang is a good guy and makes some darned nice equipment: http://www.ys-audio.com/ys-audio_eng.htm

Martin
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: ketcham on 23 Jul 2019, 06:33 pm
I would say a used Vinnie Rossi or Shindo.  Allnic can have a more classic sound depending on the unit design and tube type but otherwise a neutral presentation.

I am a strong proponent of used gear because the transformers age well.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 23 Jul 2019, 09:12 pm
I would say a used Vinnie Rossi or Shindo.  Allnic can have a more classic sound depending on the unit design and tube type but otherwise a neutral presentation.

I am a strong proponent of used gear because the transformers age well.
+1
Other electric components also already have being tested in a used equip, I like 1 year old age.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 23 Jul 2019, 10:17 pm
+1 on the dehavilland or this, if you can stretch your budget a bit.         

 https://www.aricaudio.com/products.php?product=SP6SN7LNE

I'm leaning towards the Dehavilland right now. They get great reviews and from I read they might have a little more of the velevety sound I'm trying to hear.
I would definitely consider an Aric product too. He seems to be making some waves as of late.
As a side note, we are practically neighbors. He's about an hour away. I bought one of his first KT88 amps right out of his house a few years ago and just sold it on here last month.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 23 Jul 2019, 10:18 pm
I love my YS-Audio Audio Experience Balanced A2 preamplifier. It matches very well with my class D monoblocks. Chui Yat Sang is a good guy and makes some darned nice equipment: http://www.ys-audio.com/ys-audio_eng.htm

Martin

I have owned this same line stage for over 8 years now.  Shockingly good for the $$.     :thumb:
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 23 Jul 2019, 10:19 pm
I would buy a used linear tube audio mz3 - it's really fantastic!

I know they have gotten rave reviews. But that design is a nonal/noval tube design. It says it can be altered to use octals but I don't know enough to feel comfortable with that purchase.
Why do you recommend it?
Thanks!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 23 Jul 2019, 10:21 pm
Hi, flavo.

If you were anywhere near to me, I'd happily drive over to your home with my D Sachs Model 2 preamp. It's not the latest version, but it does have Jupiter caps and remote. It's no slouch. Hell, it's fantastic! I've taken it to a couple audio get togethers in the States, to Captainhemo's home, and to a couple get togethers in Taiwan. [My wife is Taiwanese, and we often spend time in Taiwan.] Typical reactions/comments are "This is a $5k to $6k preamp." or "This is every bit as good as an Audio Research preamp."

This past winter I bought a Taiwanese made 6922 preamp for my system there that I had hoped would be as good as my Model 2. I got a really good deal on it. It's good, but it's simply not in the same class.

I'm very definitely a D Sachs fanboy, so keep that in mind.

Good luck with your search, and remember to have fun!

Michael

That's a fantastic offer. I'm only plane hop away  :lol:
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 23 Jul 2019, 10:25 pm
         Do your self a big favor and check out the tube preamps that Frank van Alstine makes. And their price is right !!!

I was hoping he would have something but I don't see any octal tube pre offerings from him. Did I miss something?
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 23 Jul 2019, 11:25 pm
http://www.supratek.com.au/
The supratek stuff looks pretty amazing too.
Maybe a Cabernet DHT if I keep saving some pennies?  :o
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Carl V on 24 Jul 2019, 12:42 am
cj has always been known for good quality Tube amps/premaps.
They are also known for "musical sounding", Warm tube sound.
Great resale. great customer care.  Affordable.


My first serious Tube system was PV5 with MV50/52's back around '83
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: JakeJ on 24 Jul 2019, 01:53 am
I have owned this same line stage for over 8 years now.  Shockingly good for the $$.     :thumb:
Me three!  I have the A2 Gold version and it definitely is one of my favorite preamps ever.  I want to get the matching phono stage too.  He has some far more expensive designs available as well.

So, gents, what tubes are you running in your A2?  I have a pair of JJ ECC802S gold pin in the inner most positions, NOS RCA 12AU7 from Andy at VTS in the middle positions, and a pair of NOS Amperex 7119 in the outer most positions.

And you?
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: jmolsberg on 24 Jul 2019, 03:13 am
I know they have gotten rave reviews. But that design is a nonal/noval tube design. It says it can be altered to use octals but I don't know enough to feel comfortable with that purchase.
Why do you recommend it?
Thanks!

It uses two octal 6sn7/12sn7 for output stage and two noval for the inputs. It's very easy on tubes, meaning longevity. And it ships with very good NOS tubes. The external LPS makes the unit very quiet and volume control is just fantastic. Does not sound overly tubey or solid state sounding - it just sounds wonderfully musical. I carried it to a friends house with a 7k pre and now he owns one of his own.

https://theaudiobeatnik.com/reviewing-the-lta-microzotl-mz3-as-a-stand-alone-preamp/

Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: mhconley on 24 Jul 2019, 03:16 am
Me three!  I have the A2 Gold version and it definitely is one of my favorite preamps ever.  I want to get the matching phono stage too.  He has some far more expensive designs available as well.

So, gents, what tubes are you running in your A2?  I have a pair of JJ ECC802S gold pin in the inner most positions, NOS RCA 12AU7 from Andy at VTS in the middle positions, and a pair of NOS Amperex 7119 in the outer most positions.

And you?

I have an original version of the A2 that uses 12AT7 tubes. I have NOS RCA 12AT7 in all positions and NOS G.E. JAN 5687WB tubes in mine. I replaced the generic coupling capacitors with Robert Hovland Series SuperCaps. The thing sounds gorgeous to my ears.

Martin
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 24 Jul 2019, 12:42 pm
I too have the older 12at7 version.  I'd have to pop the lid to know for sure but for 12at7 I think I'm using some NOS RCA Black Plates and Mullards, and late 50s TungSol 5687.  It has the Sonicap upgrade.  I really do need to get some better caps in there.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: mhconley on 24 Jul 2019, 01:30 pm
I have a pair of JJ ECC802S gold pin in the inner most positions, NOS RCA 12AU7 from Andy at VTS in the middle positions.

I think I'm using some NOS RCA Black Plates and Mullards.

My RCAs are black plates, too. So what's the idea behind running different tubes in the inner and outer positions?

Martin

PS: and apologies to the OP for piggybacking on the thread...  :)
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 24 Jul 2019, 02:06 pm
Not much info out there on this line stage, so I struggled to understand the layout and what each tube does in the circuit.

Tubes are lined up 6 across:

  1        2          3          4           5            6
5687  12au7   12au7   12au7   12au7     5687

(tubes 2 thru 5 are 12at7 in earlier version of the YS Audio / Audio Experience Balanced A2 preamp)

My understanding is that they work in L and R pairs, so 3 pairs.  So the 2 middle ones (tubes 3 and 4) are a L R pair and do the same thing in the circuit and therefore must be a matched pair.  Moving to the outside in each direction, tubes 2 and 5 are a L R pair working together in the circuit and must also be a matched pair, but not necessarily identical to the prior pair.

From this review I learned that the 2 pair of 12au7 do the gain, and the 5687 is the output buffer.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0910/ys_audio_audio_experience_a2_se.htm

But this always confused me......
If you check the specs on the mfr website you will see that the XLR outputs give 20 db of gain for both SE and XLR inputs, while the SE outputs give only 4 or 14 db of gain (varies depending on whether SE or XLR inputs are used).
And this is at odds with the review referenced above which says gain is 17db at XLR outputs and 12db at SE outputs.
Anyone have any insight?

I used 2 different pair of 12at7 simply because I didn't have 4 of the same, and I figured (guessed?) it was safe to do so.    :dunno:

My guess is that you can safely use different tube pair combos to shape the sound and achieve different sonic landscapes and synergies.


 
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: JakeJ on 24 Jul 2019, 04:24 pm
I got my A2 on USAudioMart and the fellow gave me his history of tube rolling in this preamp and found the 7119 (5687 variant) and the ECC802S (a high quality 12AU7 variant) to be the best sound.  I had some other tubes to try and to my ears the ones he suggested, and the preamp came with, are the best.  And not by a small margin.  I also have the Mundorf cap option so YMMV.

Chui Yat Sang now has the A3 posted to the website and it uses all 6922 tubes.  A completely different animal.  Would like to hear it but I have no plans to "upgrade".
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 24 Jul 2019, 04:28 pm

....Chui Yat Sang now has the A3 posted to the website and it uses all 6922 tubes.  A completely different animal.  Would like to hear it but I have no plans to "upgrade".

I saw that Jake!  Unfortunately good sounding NOS 6922 are getting super pricey.......and in many circuits they also tend to be noisey.  So I'm not happy he has taken this path.

I'm at the point in my audio journey that I will simply not buy gear using 6922 / 6dj8 tubes.  Just too much hassle.  My JuicyMusic Blueberry Xtreme uses a single 6h30Pi in the line stage -- sounds fantastic with a premium select EH Gold Pin.   45 bux shipped, done for the next 24 mos!    :thumb:
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 24 Jul 2019, 04:38 pm
And IIRC Jake, I located that preamp and advised that you purchase it........still awaiting my commission!      :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Escott1377 on 10 Aug 2019, 01:30 pm
Ironically, this just popped up :)

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=165060.msg1754859#new

No problem in my bi amp set up also paired with 2 x 500 W subs.

Take a chance, looks like a great build as well!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: DelsFan on 11 Aug 2019, 11:58 pm
I guess I'm resurrecting an old thread, but my question is pretty much the same, or at least on the same topic. 

I was reading about a integrated amplifier that uses the 6dJ8 tubes in its voltage amplifier stage (in the preamp section?); the article talked about the difference between the 6DJ8 (and I assume the 6922s would behave in a similar fashion) and the 12AX7 tubes.  It suggested:
The 12AX7 is a high-mu, low transconductance, and efficient voltage amplifier, which "tends to generalize, simplify, and skip or jump over small-scale signal information."
The 6DJ8 is medium-mu, high transconductance, nine-pin, twin-triode tube; "think of tube mu as a voltage-in/voltage-out ratio, and of transconductance as a tube's sensitivity to small-scale signal fluctuations.  At 11,000 micromhos the transconductance of a 6DJ8  is almost 10 times that of the 12AX7 (1200–1600 micromhos), and, to my ears, transmits 10 times more texture and inner detail."

If I'm looking at spending $4K to $10K on a SS amp and tube-based preamp combo, or a tube-based (or hybrid) integrated amp (so, high $$ and hopefully high-end gear), it seems a design using a medium-mu tube would be more articulate.  I'd appreciate any additional insight as to what a medium-mu tube does for me.  OR, as was stated earlier, are there so many different preamp designs that it is hard to suggest an amplifier using medium-mu tubes would always sound... in any certain way... compared to one utilizing high-mu tubes?  I'm assuming if this were the case, no "high-end" preamp or integrated amp would utilize a high-mu tube (and I'm assuming that isn't the case).

I did read a bit about Roger Modjeski and some of his preamps utilizing the 6922 tube(s); however, according to the Music Reference web site they/he only make two versions of a tube-based power amplifier now...
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 12 Aug 2019, 06:39 am
Too much transcondutance is a prob too little transcondutance also.
Usually tube amp designers choose a input tube by gain or mu in 3 flavors small 20-30x, medium 40x or hi gain 80-100x according the gain they need to boost the input signal, they dont choose by the sound quality.

Its not mandatory a tube be low, mid or hi mu to have good sound or be suited for a such hi-end preamp or amp, what is mandatory are your speakers have to be hi sensitivity as 100dB for allow you use a sweet sound small tube amp, that also are cheap. Low electric efficiency speakers are a PITA to listening they are slow and usually have a evil xover.

According to the great Gizmo (Harvey Rosenberg) the more power has the amp, the worse the sound, and I might add the more powerful the amp more expensive, big and heavy.

I like 6DJ8 family they are cheap in Russia and are plenty of subs:
6N1P 6N2P 6922 6H30 6DJ8 7DJ8 7308 PCC88  ECC88  E88CC  E288CC  6N1 6H23P-EB, Siemens 8223  GA7  CV5358 5670

I dont like 12AX7 family but Chinese manufacturers love it for input power amp and phone stage applications it provide 100x gain is one tube and this tube is made by various sino brands, but for me this tube cost me $30+ship+100% customs duties each, not $3usd as a military Russian 6N1P(6DJ8) or 6H8C(6sn7).

Also 6SN7 is a great sound tube and a reference in linearity and more powerful than any 12AX7.
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6922&submit=Find

Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 12 Aug 2019, 08:03 am
The famous Joule-Electra OTL power amps used 5 input tubes!
And yet have good sound so if a low gain or hi gain tube is better or worse is not a reliable statement since the music signal will be modeled by the whole circuit.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=77343)
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 12 Aug 2019, 11:19 am
FRM,

Quote
I like 6DJ8 family they are cheap in Russia and are plenty of subs:
6N1P 6N2P 6922 6H30 6DJ8 7DJ8 7308 PCC88  ECC88  E88CC  E288CC  6N1 6H23P-EB, Siemens 8223  GA7  CV5358 5670

That's inaccurate. There are plenty in that list that have nothing to do with the 6DJ8 family. The 6N2P is a 12AX7 substitute. The 6N1P is a completely different design as is the 6H30, 5670, etc...

They might be 9 pin tubes but they are not interchangeable with respect to design criteria and particularly heater current as well.

Best,
Anand.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 13 Aug 2019, 11:34 am
FRM,

That's inaccurate. There are plenty in that list that have nothing to do with the 6DJ8 family. The 6N2P is a 12AX7 substitute. The 6N1P is a completely different design as is the 6H30, 5670, etc...

They might be 9 pin tubes but they are not interchangeable with respect to design criteria and particularly heater current as well.

Best,
Anand.
I pick-up this subs list in various tube vendors site, I will try check.
The 6N2P is the hi gain version of the 6N1P, other parameter are the same, both are 6V and recommended as subs by some amp builders including Decware.

6N1P/6N2P filament are both 6 Volts,
12AX7 family filament are 12V.
I could like to see this change(not in my amp of course) it will made nice fire works.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 13 Aug 2019, 12:51 pm
Dehavilland Mercury w/ remote, well under OP's $3k budget.

No personal experience, but have read consistently great things about it over the years.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649542339-dehavilland-mercury-3-tube-preamplifier-with-remote/

(no affiliation with seller)
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: flavo on 13 Aug 2019, 02:53 pm
I picked up a rogue super 99 with the 6sn7 tubes. Got it for $1K so I couldn't pass it up.
There is a beautiful Canary pre for 2300 on USaudiomart that I almost bought. The owner bought it and basically never used it.
But  please the conversation going. This is really useful info.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 13 Aug 2019, 03:04 pm
That's a great price for that preamp!   

Congrats and enjoy!    :thumb:
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: JakeJ on 14 Aug 2019, 01:04 am


I like 6DJ8 family they are cheap in Russia and are plenty of subs:
6N1P 6N2P 6922 6H30 6DJ8 7DJ8 7308 PCC88  ECC88  E88CC  E288CC  6N1 6H23P-EB, Siemens 8223  GA7  CV5358 5670


FRM,

That's inaccurate. There are plenty in that list that have nothing to do with the 6DJ8 family. The 6N2P is a 12AX7 substitute. The 6N1P is a completely different design as is the 6H30, 5670, etc...

They might be 9 pin tubes but they are not interchangeable with respect to design criteria and particularly heater current as well.

Best,
Anand.

Phew! Thank you, Anand!  Misinfomation like this could result in equipment failure.  Be very careful about tube substitutions.  I'm sorry to say I wouldn't take the word of a tube seller as gospel because they want to sell tubes!

Here (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/) is a tube data sheet web source that is much more accurate on substitutions.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 14 Aug 2019, 04:45 am
Phew! Thank you, Anand!  Misinfomation like this could result in equipment failure.  Be very careful about tube substitutions.  I'm sorry to say I wouldn't take the word of a tube seller as gospel because they want to sell tubes!

Here (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/) is a tube data sheet web source that is much more accurate on substitutions.
Nice you came in rescue of your compatriot friend and his 6/12V mischap but this http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/ face page link you posted show no evidence.

This are some partial subs info I get now:
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/cgi-bin/vs4.pl

http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/cgi-bin/vs4.pl

https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6dj8.html

https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6922.html

http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6922&submit=Find

http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6dj8&submit=Find
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: JakeJ on 15 Aug 2019, 03:54 pm
Nice you came in rescue of your compatriot friend and his 6/12V mischap but this http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/ face page link you posted show no evidence.

Apologies.  I figured it was intuitively obvious one click on the "Tube Data" link which opens the tube search engine.  Enter the desired tube type, click on the tube from the results, a list of subs is provided.  Here is the list provided on the 6922:    6922WA, CCA, CV10320, CV2492, CV2493, CV8065, E88CC, E88CC01, ECC868
Different rating or performance   6DJ8, 6N23P*, CV5358, ECC88.  Linky (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6922)  Note the 6H30 is not in this list.  The 6922 heater draws 0.3A and the 6H30 draws 0.9A, fairly substantial.

Quote
This are some partial subs info I get now:
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/cgi-bin/vs4.pl

http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/cgi-bin/vs4.pl

https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6dj8.html

https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6922.html

http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6922&submit=Find

http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6dj8&submit=Find


The first two links don't work for me.

The third and fourth references the Radio Museum and both state clearly"Multiple differences or of other kind:"

Then the GSTubes website it states the equivalents are 6922 and 6DJ8 which are not eqivalents on tsdl and Radio Museum.

Unfortunately your own references are in conflict.  I have spoken at length with Andy at VTS and he agrees with the info I refer to.

I am not trying to incite a battle here so I will close with, we must agree to disagree.

However, I do fully agree a person should consult the manufacturer for correct tube substitutions.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: mhconley on 15 Aug 2019, 05:32 pm
Not much info out there on this line stage, so I struggled to understand the layout and what each tube does in the circuit.

Tubes are lined up 6 across:

  1        2          3          4           5            6
5687  12au7   12au7   12au7   12au7     5687

(tubes 2 thru 5 are 12at7 in earlier version of the YS Audio / Audio Experience Balanced A2 preamp)

My understanding is that they work in L and R pairs, so 3 pairs.  So the 2 middle ones (tubes 3 and 4) are a L R pair and do the same thing in the circuit and therefore must be a matched pair.  Moving to the outside in each direction, tubes 2 and 5 are a L R pair working together in the circuit and must also be a matched pair, but not necessarily identical to the prior pair.

From this review I learned that the 2 pair of 12au7 do the gain, and the 5687 is the output buffer.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0910/ys_audio_audio_experience_a2_se.htm

But this always confused me......
If you check the specs on the mfr website you will see that the XLR outputs give 20 db of gain for both SE and XLR inputs, while the SE outputs give only 4 or 14 db of gain (varies depending on whether SE or XLR inputs are used).
And this is at odds with the review referenced above which says gain is 17db at XLR outputs and 12db at SE outputs.
Anyone have any insight?

I used 2 different pair of 12at7 simply because I didn't have 4 of the same, and I figured (guessed?) it was safe to do so.    :dunno:

My guess is that you can safely use different tube pair combos to shape the sound and achieve different sonic landscapes and synergies.

I recently purchased a pair of 300b PSET monoblocks and got the urge to do a little tube rolling in my A2. I bought a quad of Mullard m8162 for the 12AAT7 and a pair of Sylvania 7119 for the 5687. Also looking at another pair of 5687. I’ll probably end up selling what I don’t keep.

Martin
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 15 Aug 2019, 09:39 pm
I recently purchased a pair of 300b PSET monoblocks and got the urge to do a little tube rolling in my A2. I bought a quad of Mullard m8162 for the 12AAT7 and a pair of Sylvania 7119 for the 5687. Also looking at another pair of 5687. I’ll probably end up selling what I don’t keep.

Martin

Nice!   :thumb:

I've loved any NOS Mullard I've ever tried.

I was mistaken earlier.....
I recently checked mine, I have a quad of NOS Mullard CV4024 in the 12at7 positions.

For the buffer pair I think it's NOS GE 5687, maybe Tung-Sol.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 16 Aug 2019, 02:57 am
Sorry the Mif link Jake, try this one and type 6922 or 6DJ8:
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/vs.html
it will show some equivalent, a side in my list some tubes are direct subs, others only similar, in any case the amp owner must consult the amp builder as usually the amp circuits are compatible with 2 or 3 tube models only.
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/vs.html
I dont remember why I add the expensive 6H30 to this list :o
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: AudiophileRadar on 3 May 2021, 05:40 am
Hey everyone.

Just bought the Balanced A3 from YS Audio Experience and I should receive it mid may.

The preamp is using 6 ELECTRO-HARMONIX 6922 tubes, this tube has usually excellent feedback on the web.

I will let you know what I think about this preamp on my pair of Neumann KH310.

Can't wait !

 :wink: :thumb:
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: JimJ on 24 May 2021, 11:44 pm
I picked up a rogue super 99 with the 6sn7 tubes. Got it for $1K so I couldn't pass it up.
There is a beautiful Canary pre for 2300 on USaudiomart that I almost bought. The owner bought it and basically never used it.
But  please the conversation going. This is really useful info.

For a while in college I had a Rogue 66 as a pre. Thing was a block of solid metal.

Only reason I got rid of it was I found a better deal on an ARC SP9MKII that had a phono stage, and I needed that.
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: Laimac on 4 Dec 2021, 12:58 am
Hey everyone.

Just bought the Balanced A3 from YS Audio Experience and I should receive it mid may.

The preamp is using 6 ELECTRO-HARMONIX 6922 tubes, this tube has usually excellent feedback on the web.

I will let you know what I think about this preamp on my pair of Neumann KH310.

Can't wait !

 :wink: :thumb:


Hi @AudiophileRadar. I’m looking at the A3 (as well as used A2) for my system and would love to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks!
Title: Re: Help in picking out a tube pre?
Post by: sunnydaze on 4 Dec 2021, 04:25 pm
Hi @AudiophileRadar. I’m looking at the A3 (as well as used A2) for my system and would love to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks!

I can't PM you.  I will be selling my YS Audio Experience A2 SE/Balanced line stage (too many preamps).  It is the older version using 12at7 tubes.  It has the SonicCap upgrade. 

If interested email me at spelly@ix.netcom.com

If you do a search on "A2" and my username "sunnydaze"  you will find some of the comments I've made about it over the years.

Thanks...
John